Wenger irked by Van Persie questions

28 July 2012 07:17

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied the club are any closer to selling striker Robin van Persie after becoming irritated by questions about the Dutchman's future.

Wenger was pressed about Van Persie by journalists after his side had lost 2-0 to Premier League champions Manchester City on the latest leg of their Far East tour. City and rivals Manchester United have been linked with a move for the unsettled Arsenal captain and Wenger has become annoyed by the speculation.

Several newspapers quoted Wenger as saying: "We have talked about Van Persie. I have talked about Van Persie and I'm not talking about that question any more."

The Dutchman has missed Arsenal's tour and is instead working on his fitness following Euro 2012.

Wenger added: "Van Persie is close to fitness. But we have not had any more contact from City or United about him."

City manager Roberto Mancini backed up Wenger's claim that no bids had been made.

"If he said this, I think it's true. Van Persie is one of the best strikers so it's difficult to buy him," said Mancini.